The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Mohammed Dantsoho, has highlighted the anticipated benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing its potential to boost intra-African trade and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.

Speaking at a forum organized by the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce, Maritime, and Logistics in Lagos, Dr. Dantsoho addressed the theme “Improving the Competitiveness of Nigerian Ports in an Era of Regional Integration.” He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, in the ongoing rehabilitation and repositioning of Nigeria’s seaports.

Dr. Dantsoho outlined the NPA’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s ports remain a maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa. He stressed the urgency of positioning Nigerian ports for regional leadership to prevent the loss of gateway traffic to competing ports across the continent.

To achieve this, he called for collaborative efforts among key stakeholders in the port system, urging them to support initiatives aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and lowering transport costs. He also emphasized the need for investments in inland terminals, logistics zones, and rail networks to expand port influence beyond traditional hinterlands and improve overall efficiency.

Additionally, the NPA is working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure seamless integration with the AfCFTA framework when it becomes fully operational.

With strategic investments and multi-sectoral collaboration, Nigerian ports are set to play a central role in driving intra-African trade and reinforcing their position as key gateways for regional commerce.